Nakuru County’s smallholder farmers, livestock keepers, and agri-food enterprises are poised to benefit from a Sh1.5 billion (10.2 million euros) initiative aimed at revitalizing agricultural value chains, according to Deputy Governor Dr. David Kones. The AGRIPACT program, a collaboration between Kenya and Italy’s Lombardy Region, seeks to enhance productivity, market access, and climate resilience in dairy and horticulture sectors, with a 42-month timeline for implementation.
The initiative, discussed during a bilateral meeting between Dr. Kones and a Lombardy delegation led by Undersecretary to the Presidency for International and European Relations Mr. Raffaele Cattaneo, aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (Beta). Dr. Kones emphasized that agriculture contributes nearly half of Kenya’s GDP and employs 90% of the population, making it central to the country’s economic strategy. He highlighted Nakuru’s potential in dairy and horticulture, stating the partnership would unlock this through technology, knowledge transfer, and market linkages.
Lombardy’s involvement, under the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan for Africa, focuses on addressing challenges like low productivity, post-harvest losses, and weak producer organizations. Mr. Cattaneo noted that the region’s expertise in agro-processing, cooperative development, and sustainable practices would be shared with Kenyan stakeholders. The program, approved by Italy’s Joint Committee for Development Cooperation in July 2026, includes support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Nakuru County Chief Officer for Agriculture Engineer Margaret Kinyanjui stated the project would strengthen existing agricultural programs by improving technical capacity, production practices, and market access. She emphasized that AGRIPACT would directly benefit 20,800 individuals, including smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and agri-food MSMEs. The initiative’s interventions span training, technology transfer, cooperative development, and circular-economy approaches, targeting the entire value chain from production to marketing.
Dr. Kones reiterated that the program would complement county efforts to move farmers beyond primary production toward value addition and commercial viability. He underscored the role of cooperatives in aggregating produce, accessing services, and negotiating better markets. Mr. Cattaneo added that the partnership would prioritize youth, women, and sustainable models, creating jobs and strengthening communities through skill-building and innovation.
The Italian delegation praised Nakuru’s agricultural investments and recognized its status as a major dairy hub. They stressed the importance of cooperative development as a catalyst for growth, while Dr. Kones pledged Governor Susan Kihika’s administration would ensure governance and coordination for long-term benefits. The project’s focus on climate resilience and post-harvest management aims to reduce losses and enhance farmers’ incomes.
Engineer Kinyanjui affirmed that AGRIPACT would provide access to new technologies, markets, and knowledge, bolstering Nakuru’s agricultural competitiveness. The program’s emphasis on circular-economy approaches and sustainable practices aligns with global trends, offering a blueprint for regional agricultural development. As implementation begins, stakeholders anticipate measurable improvements in livelihoods and economic resilience for Nakuru’s farming communities.
The AGRIPACT initiative reflects a broader Kenya-Italy partnership under the Mattei Plan, which prioritizes food security, skills development, and enterprise growth. With its focus on technical expertise and local needs, the project underscores the potential of international collaboration to drive transformative change in Kenya’s agrarian economy.
Nakuru’s participation in AGRIPACT highlights the county’s strategic role in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. By leveraging cross-border partnerships, the initiative aims to address systemic challenges while fostering innovation and inclusivity. As the program progresses, its success will depend on sustained coordination between local authorities, international partners, and grassroots stakeholders.
The Sh1.5 billion investment underscores the economic significance of agriculture in Kenya, where over 90% of the population relies on the sector for livelihoods. AGRIPACT’s emphasis on value addition and market access could serve as a model for other regions seeking to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.
With its comprehensive approach to capacity building and infrastructure development, AGRIPACT positions Nakuru as a hub for sustainable agri-food systems. The initiative’s outcomes will be closely monitored to assess its impact on poverty reduction, job creation, and long-term economic transformation in the region.
The partnership between Kenya and Italy exemplifies how international cooperation can address complex agricultural challenges. By combining local expertise with global resources, AGRIPACT aims to create a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous agricultural sector in Nakuru and beyond.
The implementation of AGRIPACT marks a pivotal moment for Nakuru’s farmers, who stand to gain from enhanced opportunities and support structures. As the program unfolds, its success will hinge on the ability of all stakeholders to adapt to evolving needs and maximize the benefits for the county’s agricultural community.